Patient Stories – Eric

I always considered myself a young man. I was physically active. I liked to run with young guys—full court basketball—the whole nine yards.

I had persistent back problems. My back would “go out” every couple of months. I just thought it was the aging process. The last time that I had it, it wouldn’t really go away. My primary care doctor knew Dr. McCance and recommended that I see him. I went to Dr. McCance and had a full set of tests. He said it was a congenital issue—the structuring of my spine. One of the lower vertebrae slipped forward and it really had to get fixed. It was a serious issue.

My wife is a nurse. So we did a lot of research and found out Dr. McCance is a top-notch guy.
In my dealings with him I found him to be extraordinarily responsive. He’s a thoughtful guy. He provides the utmost care. I found him very personable and knowledgeable and respectful. And frank—so you feel you’re getting the right story.

Another crucial element in the quality of his surgical practice is that he has done what most smart people do—he has surrounded himself with very good people. His Physician Assistant, Diane Clemente, is phenomenal. They’re not just running interference for him. They don’t block you from speaking to the doctor. They really are a support team and they really help you. Very responsive. When I called her she called me back that afternoon. Which is very important. It takes away a lot of the stress involved in major surgery. When you go in for surgery you’re out of your element and you don’t know the way things will go. That’s why a wonderful support team is so important.

My primary care physician told me that Dr. McCance took a tremendous amount of time with my surgery so he would get the job done right. You always hope people will do that.

You’re putting your life in someone else’s hands. He fulfilled that duty with the utmost care.
I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone else.

How do you feel now?

I lift weights. I still hit the gym—pull ups, sit ups and swim. I still hunt. I still try to be active.